Aaron Fike, a former driver in the NASCAR Nationwide and Camping World Truck Series, was reinstated Tuesday by the sanctioning body after completing the NASCAR Substance Abuse Policy Road to Recovery program.

Fike, 29, was suspended indefinitely July 11, 2007 for actions detrimental to stock car racing. The ban came four days after Fike and his girlfriend were arrested in an Ohio amusement park's parking lot on charges of possession of heroin and drug paraphernalia; Fike pleaded guilty to lesser charges and was sentenced to two years' probation.

In a story on NASCAR.com, Fike said he completed an inpatient recovery program and was nearly one year sober when he initially asked NASCAR about the reinstatement process last summer. Fike, who credited a renewed faith and closeness to his family, called the reinstatement "a huge blessing."

Fike competed in 52 NASCAR Nationwide Series races from 2004-06 with a best finish of eighth in his second season. He moved to Red Horse Racing in the truck series in 2007, posting his best finish of fifth place just seven days before his arrest.

Fike, who is the 16th driver or crew member to be reinstated since NASCAR revised its random drug testing policy in 2009, has since competed part-time in sprint car events.

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